Prince Charles delivers plea to end religious persecution in first Easter message

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The Prince of Wales has delivered his first Easter message, issuing a plea to free Christians, Jews and Muslims from the “barbaric grip of those who distort and misrepresent faith”.

The Prince said those persecuted for their religion must not be forgotten, adding that the Christians fleeing danger “for their faith and for their life” were “in our prayers”.

Saying he found hope in learning that some were now returning to their homelands, he said: “I have been so deeply moved, and humbled, by their truly remarkable courage and by their selfless capacity for forgiveness, despite all that they have suffered.”

It is the first time the Prince has delivered a special message at Easter, after he was inspired by meetings with Christian Church leaders from the Middle East including the Coptic Pope, the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, and the Melkite Archbishop of Zahle and Forzol.

Recorded at his London home of Clarence House, the filmed message is released on Good Friday and draws on the Prince’s strong belief in interfaith dialogue.

The Prince of Wales accompanied by Bishop Charles Samuel during a visit to the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia in Penang, MalaysiaCredit:
PA

While the Queen records her annual Christmas broadcast, an Easter message has not been part of the Royal Family’s calendar.

Drawing on the similarities between religions, the Prince said: “At Easter, as we recall the suffering of Our Lord, we also remember Mary his mother and the torment of grief she endured.

“Mary occupies a unique and elevated position in both Christianity and Islam. She is the mother of Our Lord and exalted in the Q’uran.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Malaysia Credit:
Getty

“All three Abrahamic faiths have known and continue to know the bitterness of persecution when religion has fallen into the barbaric grip of those who distort and misrepresent faith.”

He added: “This Easter I want to salute the fortitude of all those who, whatever their faith, are persecuted for remaining faithful to the true essence of their beliefs.

The Queen attended the Maundy service in Windsor on ThursdayCredit:
PA

“I admire, and greatly respect, all those of you who find it in your hearts to pray for those who persecute you and, following the example of Christ, seek forgiveness for your enemies.

“Jesus summarizes the Ten Commandments into two requirements – that we should love God and love our neighbour as ourselves.

“It is, therefore, my special prayer this Eastertide that they will be your guide and your inspiration.”